Homeless Man Eyes White House, Jumps Over Fence

By IBT Staff Reporter On 08/03/11 AT 1:45 AM

A homeless man was taken into Secret Service custody on Tuesday after he climbed over the White House fence, reports said.

The man, identified as James Dirk Crudup, 41, scaled the fence on the north side of the White House at about 7:45 p.m. Security Service personnel took him into custody after he jumped the fence. Authorities ordered a lock down as a precaution.

Crudup had thrown his backpack over the fence which was being examined for explosives, said Secret Service Spokesperson Edwin Donovan. The incident was broadcast live on CNN's "John King USA" program.

There is no current information on whether the intruder posed a security threat. Shortly after nine p.m. authorities issued an all-clear directive at the White House.

Crudup was taken to a D.C. police station for processing. He will be charged with unlawful entry and contempt of court for violating a judicial order that required him to stay away from the White House.

In another incident, a six-year-old girl entered the White House Lawn on Sunday night by going through the fence. Secret Service escorted her back to her parents.